Supreme third Jezki set for Punchestown date

Despite losing his unbeaten record over hurdles, Jezki was far from disgraced in finishing third behind Champagne Fever and My Tent Or Yours...

Jessica Harrington's Jezki remains on course for next month's Punchestown Festival following his excellent run in defeat in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham...

The five-year-old was the long-term ante-post favourite for the Festival curtain-raiser, before being usurped at the head of the market by fellow JP McManus-owned runner My Tent Or Yours.

Despite losing his unbeaten record over hurdles, Jezki was far from disgraced in finishing third behind Champagne Fever and My Tent Or Yours and Harrington is looking forward to his next appearance.

"He came home in good form and he'll probably go to Punchestown for the two-mile novice there, all being well," said the trainer.

Jezki's half-brother Jetson also performed admirably at Cheltenham, taking third place in the Pertemps Final.

Harrington said: "He'll be entered in Fairyhouse but it's more likely he'll go to Aintree for the three-mile handicap hurdle there. He could then go to Punchestown for a hurdle race or a novice chase."

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Cheltenham Results: Champagne moment for Walsh in the Supreme

Ruby Walsh delivered a masterclass from the front as he guided Champagne Fever to success in the opening race of Cheltenham 2013...

Champagne Fever, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, won the William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle, the first race on day one of the Cheltenham Festival.

Last season's Champion Bumper winner doubled up with a game display under Ruby Walsh to strike for Irish trainer Willie Mullins.

My Tent Or Yours appeared to be going much the better at the final flight, but Champagne Fever kept finding more and held the favourite by half a length.

Jezki was third, a further two and a quarter lengths away, as the big meeting finally got going after a 35-minute delay caused by the Arctic weather.

Walsh said: "He jumped like a stag and travelled really well."

As expected, Champagne Fever took the field along from his stablemate Un Atout, with My Tent Or Yours third.

There was little change in the order as the 12-strong line-up bunched up at the top of the hill.

My Tent Or Yours looked as though he could take the leader whenever his rider Tony McCoy wanted, but Walsh and Champagne Fever had other ideas and ran out worthy winners.

Walsh said: "It's magic - he just came alive the last fortnight.

"I didn't ride him work last week but I was watching him work at the Curragh with Willie and we both kind of looked at each other. It was scintillating.

"Patrick (Mullins, trainer's son) has always maintained he was a two-miler and an out-and-out galloper - he was dead right.

"He wasn't doing a whole lot in front, but I knew AP (McCoy) was coming to me as I could feel the crowd revving up.

"But, in fairness, when AP got to him, he stuck his head down and away he went again."

Mullins said: "It was a very brave performance from the horse to lead like that and jump like that.

"Ruby said he heard Tony McCoy coming up behind him and the horse just took off with him.

"He knew he'd lots of horse. Ruby was trying to steady it and ride a tactical race - he obviously got it spot-on.

"It was fantastic to watch him coming up the hill."

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Supreme Novices' Hurdle: Billy's target depends on ground

Puffin Billy is likely to run in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle over two miles at the Cheltenham Festival if the ground remains on the soft side...

Puffin Billy is likely to run in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle over two miles at the Cheltenham Festival if the ground remains on the soft side...

Trainer Oliver Sherwood had previously stated he was favouring the longer Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle for his unbeaten youngster, but the prevailing conditions have seen him have a change of heart.

Puffin Billy was entered last weekend in the race won by Rebecca Curtis' At Fishers Cross, but Sherwood decided to swerve it as he did not fancy running him over two miles and five furlongs for the first time in heavy ground.

"I was perturbed about running over that trip for the first time on very tiring ground," Sherwood told At The Races.

"He'll go to Exeter on Sunday week for a Listed hurdle over two-one. He's in A1 form and I'm very happy with him.

"He'll have entries in both races in March. I know I said I was swaying towards the Neptune but my gut feeling is if it's soft ground he'll almost certainly run in the Supreme and if it's drier than that I might switch to the Neptune. I'm pretty certain we'll wait until closer to the race (before making a definite decision).

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Supreme Novices' Hurdle: Henderson, Harrington & Longsdon all hopeful

News / Timeform / 12 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Who will win the Supreme Novices' Hurdle?

"I do think Darlan has that touch of class."

Find out what Nicky Henderson, Jessie Harrington and Charlie Longsdon had to say about their runners in Tuesday's Cheltenham curtain-raiser, the Supreme Novices' Hurdle....

Trainer Nicky Henderson expects Darlan to put the fall he had at Newbury behind him when he lines-up for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham on Tuesday.

The JP McManus-owned five-year-old was travelling as well as anything when he came down at the second-last flight in the Betfair Hurdle won by Champion Hurdle hope Zarkandar.

He had been unbeaten up to that point, and connections are full of hope Darlan can put the record straight in the Festival curtain-raiser.

"How Darlan took that fall I've no idea as he schooled well after Newbury," said Henderson.

"I do think Darlan has that touch of class. Tetlami, our other runner in the Supreme, you'd call a good horse but Darlan might be a touch better."

Darlan will be ridden by Tony McCoy, who admits he would not change mounts for anything else in the race.

"Darlan was going very well but it was a long way out at Newbury. Who knows what would have happened, but I wouldn't swap him," said the champion jockey.

"Steps To Freedom is a fair horse and apparently he's flying but I hope Darlan has got a very good chance."

Steps To Freedom's trainer Jessica Harrington reports everything has gone to plan since he beat Prospect Wells on this course in November.

"He is in flying form I could not be happier, he has done everything I have asked of him on the run up to this week," she told her website, www.jessicaharringtonracing.com.

"People question why I haven't run him since November but that was always the plan.

"I am really looking forward to him hopefully showing his true colours and to get the Irish off to a winner in the first."

Jockey Robbie Power is looking forward to a decent show from Steps To Freedom.

"The plan's gone perfectly well with him, and he won over course and distance around there in November, which at Cheltenham is a major help," he said.

"We know he handles the track and he has been going well at home.

"For every race at Cheltenham you need a little bit of good luck, he's a tough horse off the Flat and had plenty of hustle and bustle in the bumper at Aintree last year."

Charlie Longsdon feels his two runners, Vulcanite and Hazy Tom, have sound each-way claims.

"Vulcanite seems in great form and he should get the strong gallop that he needs. Hazy Tom needs a good pace as well. That's important," said the Chipping Norton trainer.

"They will be massively improved for their last run and I think they are solid each-way horses."

Vulcanite will be ridden by Paddy Brennan, who said: "I didn't get it right on him last time, he got left in front, but he's a very exciting animal.

"In the schooling field I've not sat on many horses like him."
..........
Timeform TV Focus callers enjoyed over £2500 profit (to £20 level stakes at Betfair SP) in our first year. Call TV Focus for tips on all Cheltenham CH4 races.

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Supreme Novices' Hurdle: Henderson, Harrington & Longsdon all hopeful

News / Timeform / 12 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Who will win the Supreme Novices' Hurdle?

"I do think Darlan has that touch of class."

Find out what Nicky Henderson, Jessie Harrington and Charlie Longsdon had to say about their runners in Tuesday's Cheltenham curtain-raiser, the Supreme Novices' Hurdle....

Trainer Nicky Henderson expects Darlan to put the fall he had at Newbury behind him when he lines-up for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham on Tuesday.

The JP McManus-owned five-year-old was travelling as well as anything when he came down at the second-last flight in the Betfair Hurdle won by Champion Hurdle hope Zarkandar.

He had been unbeaten up to that point, and connections are full of hope Darlan can put the record straight in the Festival curtain-raiser.

"How Darlan took that fall I've no idea as he schooled well after Newbury," said Henderson.

"I do think Darlan has that touch of class. Tetlami, our other runner in the Supreme, you'd call a good horse but Darlan might be a touch better."

Darlan will be ridden by Tony McCoy, who admits he would not change mounts for anything else in the race.

"Darlan was going very well but it was a long way out at Newbury. Who knows what would have happened, but I wouldn't swap him," said the champion jockey.

"Steps To Freedom is a fair horse and apparently he's flying but I hope Darlan has got a very good chance."

Steps To Freedom's trainer Jessica Harrington reports everything has gone to plan since he beat Prospect Wells on this course in November.

"He is in flying form I could not be happier, he has done everything I have asked of him on the run up to this week," she told her website, www.jessicaharringtonracing.com.

"People question why I haven't run him since November but that was always the plan.

"I am really looking forward to him hopefully showing his true colours and to get the Irish off to a winner in the first."

Jockey Robbie Power is looking forward to a decent show from Steps To Freedom.

"The plan's gone perfectly well with him, and he won over course and distance around there in November, which at Cheltenham is a major help," he said.

"We know he handles the track and he has been going well at home.

"For every race at Cheltenham you need a little bit of good luck, he's a tough horse off the Flat and had plenty of hustle and bustle in the bumper at Aintree last year."

Charlie Longsdon feels his two runners, Vulcanite and Hazy Tom, have sound each-way claims.

"Vulcanite seems in great form and he should get the strong gallop that he needs. Hazy Tom needs a good pace as well. That's important," said the Chipping Norton trainer.

"They will be massively improved for their last run and I think they are solid each-way horses."

Vulcanite will be ridden by Paddy Brennan, who said: "I didn't get it right on him last time, he got left in front, but he's a very exciting animal.

"In the schooling field I've not sat on many horses like him."
..........
Timeform TV Focus callers enjoyed over £2500 profit (to £20 level stakes at Betfair SP) in our first year. Call TV Focus for tips on all Cheltenham CH4 races.

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Supreme Novices' Hurdle: Freedom bypasses Dundalk run

News / Timeform / 16 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Steps To Freedom will head straight to Cheltenham.

Jessica Harrington has decided against running Steps To Freedom at Dundalk on Friday and he will now head straight to next month's Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham...

The six-year-old completed a hat-trick of victories over timber at Prestbury Park in November and he is now towards the head of the market for the Festival curtain-raiser.

Harrington had suggested her charge would make an appearance on the all-weather this week, but she has had a change of heart.

The trainer said: "Everything is fine and we've just decided that we'll go straight to Cheltenham.

"We just thought about it and thought we'd go straight there."

Steps To Freedom, rated 144p by Timeform, currently trades at [11.0] for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

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Leading RSA Chase fancy Last Instalment has been ruled out of the Cheltenham Festival with a leg injury......

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Supreme Novices' Hurdle: Dundalk still on Steps agenda

News / Timeform / 08 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Jessica Harrington: Trainer of Steps To Freedom and Oscars Well.

"He'll run in Dundalk on Friday week in a mile-and-a-half race and he then may go to Leopardstown for a gallop after racing on March 4..."

Current Supreme Novices' Hurdle favourite Steps To Freedom remains on course to have a run on the Flat at Dundalk on Friday February 17...

Unbeaten in three starts over hurdles, Jessica Harrington's six-year-old has plenty going for him with the Festival in mind, not least that he is already a Cheltenham winner having struck there in November.

Harrington has given her exciting youngster, rated 144p by Timeform, a winter break since but he will soon be back in competitive action.

"He did a breeze on Friday and worked yesterday (Tuesday) and I'm very happy with him," the trainer told At The Races.

"He'll run in Dundalk on Friday week in a mile-and-a-half race and he then may go to Leopardstown for a gallop after racing on March 4. It depends how he comes out of the race in Dundalk.

"He was out in the field for six weeks and then we brought him back in and we've just been building him back up. He seems to be fresh and well.

"The great thing was we got him to Cheltenham in November and he travelled over well and he's got experience of the course now. So when he goes back there in March, he'll know where he is."

Steps To Freedom is currently trading as the [10.5] favourite for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

Another major Festival hope for Harrington is Oscars Well, who bears a Timeform rating of 164, and would have gone very close to winning last season's Neptune Novices' Hurdle but for stumbling at the final flight.

His latest run behind Hurricane Fly in the Irish Champion Hurdle was his best of the season and Harrington is hopeful her charge can get closer to the reigning champion granted better ground for the Champion Hurdle itself.

"He stepped up again and he's been improving all winter," Harrington added.

"He has a high cruising speed and I'm not saying he'll ever beat Hurricane Fly, but as I've said to the owners, with some reasonable luck we'll run into a place in the Champion Hurdle.

"I think he ticks all the boxes as he likes good ground, he seems to like Cheltenham and he loves races that are run at a fast pace.

"Hurricane Fly is a very good horse. He's probably one of the best hurdlers we've seen since Istabraq, if not better.

"He's won 10 Grade Ones now and that's an amazing record."

Oscars Well can presently be backed at [18.5] for the Champion Hurdle, with Hurricane Fly heading the market at [1.96].

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Cheltenham Festival: Supreme Novices' Hurdle 2012

Ante-Post Betting / David Cleary / 05 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Supreme 2011 winner Al Ferof

"The Supreme market is currently headed by Steps To Freedom and Cinders And Ashes."

With a large field, which includes horses with entries in other big races, the Supreme Novices' hurdle is a tough one to assess early on. David Cleary discusses some of the key runners...

Compared to the last two years, when the previous year's Champion Bumper winner was a short-priced favourite to gain a second Festival win, the Supreme has a very different ante post look to this time around. In the event, of course, both Dunguib and Cue Card were beaten, a pointer to just how competitive and how different it is to most of the trials for it. Finding a way through the large entry is further complicated by several strong candidates also holding an entry in the Neptune.

Notable among this group are Simonsig and Sous Les Cieux, and, unfortunately, it's hard to tell whether either has this race as first preference. Simonsig's second to Fingal Bay is the best piece of form shown so far by a Supreme entry, and although that came over two-and-a-half miles, Simonsig looked all over the winner before being outstayed by a horse currently favourite both for the Neptune and the Albert Bartlett.

Sous Les Cieux has won at two-and-a-half miles, but his victory in the Royal Bond over two miles at Fairyhouse, beating the smart Flat performer Galileo's Choice impressively, suggests he'd have no trouble with the trip in the Supreme. The Royal Bond is traditionally one of the strongest pointers to the order of merit among the Irish novices. Galileo's Choice may well have more to offer as a hurdler; he and Sous Les Cieux both have an entry in the Deloitte at Leopardstown next weekend, sure to be a key race in the build-up to the Supreme.

The Supreme market is currently headed by Steps To Freedom and Cinders And Ashes. Both were smart in bumpers and have made a good start over hurdles. Steps To Freedom was a narrow winner of a novice at the Open meeting, just outpointing Prospect Wells in a test of speed over the Supreme course and distance. The Flat-bred Steps To Freedom wouldn't be sure to improve for much more of a test of stamina. Cinders And Ashes, on the other hand, will benefit from a proper test kept at two miles. He has won his last three starts over hurdles, all on heavy ground, much the strongest form shown when he beat Keys at Aintree in the first of them.

Keys, along with Simonsig, is part of a strong Nicky Henderson entry. Darlan figures at the head of that group at the moment and a bold showing in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury next weekend would see his Supreme odds shorten considerably. His mark for that race looks stiff, however, and he'll have his work cut out. Another Henderson entry Tetlami has impressed in both his wins. His Sandown form working out well, while his defeat of the good Flat horse Vulcanite at Kempton was a useful effort with more to come. The Dovecote at Kempton seems the likely next step for him.

Vulcanite needed the experience that day and, although he beat nothing when winning next time, he has potential. However, his stable companion Hazy Tom may be the better longer term prospect. Hazy Tom is best excused his run last time and will be worth his place in whichever event he contests at the Festival.

Paul Nicholls doesn't seem to have so strong a team as usual for this. It seems likely that one of his juveniles, possibly Pearl Swan, will be switched here from the Triumph. Prospect Wells is clearly a candidate and his poor run last time (in the Tolworth, as an afterthought) is easily forgiven. Ted Spread, another with smart Flat form, has impressed with his progress over hurdles too, though both could conceivably be switched to the County Hurdle.

Irish stables have a strong record in the Supreme, and aside from those already mentioned have serious contenders in Midnight Gale, Distant Memories and recent impressive Punchestown winner Trifolium.

With so many unexposed potential runners and multiple options, the Supreme is a hard race to call. Simonsig and Sous Les Cieux would go top of the list were they to become definite runners in this. Of those with this as their clear aim, Simonsig's stable companion Tetlami is probably overpriced, currently at 19.0 in the win market on Betfair.

Supreme Novices' Hurdle build up: key dates

Betfair Novices' Hurdle & Betfair Hurdle (Handicap), Newbury, February 11
Molson Coors Novices' Hurdle, Exeter, February 12
Deloitte Novice Hurdle, Leopardstown, February 12
Next declaration stage, February 21
Dovecote Novices' Hurdle, Kempton, February 25
paddypower.com Novice Hurdle, Naas, February 26

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Supreme Novices' Hurdle: Montbazon eases clear at Plumpton

News / Timeform / 30 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Montbazon was successful at Plumpton.

"We won't have learned a lot from that but he's a smashing horse..."

The Alan King-trained Montbazon got back to winning ways at Plumpton on Monday...

Considered a live contender for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham, Montbazon had finished just a length behind Colour Squadron on his first start over hurdles at Newbury in December.

The only brief moment of concern for Wayne Hutchinson was when Montbazon jumped to the right at the third-last and cannoned into Victor Leudorum.

But he quickly recovered to finish 15 lengths in front of that rival.

"We won't have learned a lot from that but he's a smashing horse," said King.

"I'd like to give him a bit more practice and we might look at the Listed hurdle at Exeter in a couple of weeks."

Montbazon is currently trading at [20.0] for the Supreme, with Steps to Freedom heading the market at [9.4]. Cinders and Ashes ([12.0]), Darlan ([12.5]) and Simonsig ([14.5]) are also prominent in the betting.

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Timeform Irish SmartPlays: King High to reign supreme

Timeform Irish SmartPlays / Timeform / 16 October 2011 / Leave a Comment

Two of our best bets come over fences at Cork.

"Fitted with blinkers instead of the usual cheekpieces, King High looks overpriced at [7.6]".

Two jumpers at Cork and one on the Flat at Naas make up Sunday's selections.

John Oxx's Manieree (15:45) has been on an upward curve of late and looks sure to take plenty of beating as she seeks a hat-trick in the listed event on the card. Enterprisingly ridden when winning a Group 3 and a Group 2 at the Curragh on her latest couple of starts, beating Sapphire comfortably last time, Manieree has impressed with her attitude since fitted in headgear. That form is working out well with Sapphire and Flowers of Spring (fourth) winning since and it's hard to envisage any of her rivals improving past her in what isn't a great renewal.

King High (15:55) did well in 2010/11, winning 3 times, including twice over fences and returned to his very best just failing to overhaul Mahrajaan at Gowran last time. Very few of the field come into this handicap chase in great heart, including the top-weight Scotsirish, and Eoin Griffin's runner has more solid credentials than the majority of his rivals. Fitted with blinkers instead of the usual cheekpieces, King High looks overpriced at [7.6].

The novice chase at Cork should prove to be an informative affair with several last-time-out winners and Oscar Dan Dan involved, but First Lieutenant (16:30) looks a really exciting chase prospect and he's expected to take this enroute to better things. Last year's Baring Bingham winner made a pleasing start over the larger obstacles, value for much more than the winning margin suggests when beating Slieveardargh in a Grade 3 at Tipperary last time and, given how well he progressed over timber, there are plenty of reasons to think he's well up to defying a penalty.

Timeform SmartPlays

Back Manieree at [2.34] in the 15:45 at Naas
Back King High at [7.6] in the 15:55 at Cork
Back First Lieutenant at [1.72] in the 16:30 at Cork

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